I think they have been around for awhile, but a prescription, topical antibiotic and Differin made a huge difference to my skin in terms of acne. The plethora of information out there now about skincare, ingredients used it in, etc. make it a lot easier to at least start in the right place!
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Access to info about ingredients has been extremely helpful. Paula Begoun a god send! ! Thanks to her I avoid alcohol, fragrance and certain plant fragrances like the plague and my skin thanks her! Also better ingredients in skincare like niacimide and retinol. I’m interested in trying differin. I’m wondering if it will improve skin texture but I’m afraid it will be too harsh
I don’t find it harsh at all, in the OTC strength. I find it mild and very, very slow. At times I’m tempted to add an aha, which I own, but am avoiding. I did not get retinized. Of course, YMMV. My routine has always been very heavy on bha, at least 2 in the AM. Cosrx toner (more often than Paula resist) and either Paula resist bha (lightest, least oily) or Cosrx bha blackhead liquid whatever. Paula’s point that acids are pH dependent made the absolute turning point for my skin. Explained ~30 years of ineffective, expensive skincare. The avoidances are a really good idea. But if you cannot avoid, make sure it’s way low on list. The other great information source, especially if you have allergies/ sensitivities/ reactions is Snow White and the Asian Pear. Now Cosdna database is my best friend. It rates product ingredients for acne provocation and ‘safety.’ Believe me, some of the best products have some iffy ingredients, or ones that would bother you. It is the best tool ever, and I am OLD, so I’ve seen a lot of tools. Pun intended.
The information available and new formulations, like alcohol free toners and gentle cleansers. They made finding a regimen suited at my skin much easier.
Retin-A isn’t new, but it’s great for me. Japanese sunscreens–new to me, maybe not new in Japan– have made it possible for me to wear sunscreen everyday.
I’m in my 50’s and had been using injectables for about 3 years. After a bit of soul searching I decided skincare advances would have to be enough for me to address my aging skin and I made the decision to discontinue use of botox/juvederm. There is no doubt, skincare does not compare to the results achieved with same. However, I worried about long term use of injectables and the fact that I focused far too attention on every little line on my face which lead me to using more and more of both over time. It’s been about 18 months since I made that decision and I’m content with how my skin looks and feels. Bonus: I look more like me and I can raise my eyebrows at will LOL.
No judgement here, btw. Whatever makes you feel best.
My skin has never been better at 38. Advances from Korea with new ingredients to treat dehydration and acne has really helped.
I’m not sure how new they are, but heavy-duty moisturizers with a lightweight feel have been a godsend! I feel like they’re easier to find nowadays. Also, chemical exfoliants have become more common on the consumer market, which I appreciate!
Oh, and lightweight, non-greasy sunscreens!
It hasn’t really. I am old school when it comes to my skin; water, a good moisturizer at night and in the morning and voila – skin is all good. I am not too keen to put new things on my skin because I am afraid of a break out. There aren’t many things that can make me hysterically cry but an unidentifiable rash or breakout on my face will have me in tears!! I keep it nice and ol’ skool lik emy grandma taught me I just use modern moisturizers with the same great ingredients!
Girl, you inherited good genes. In addition to generally/genetically meh skin, Inverse psoriasis (who knew) just jumped from my armpits to my face, and my eyelids thinned from overtreating with too strong a steroid…and that’s NOT psoriasis, but seborrheic dermatitis. You would have had a total breakdown, lol. Just be glad you are young and beautiful, with great skin, and keep doing what you’re doing, ’cause it works!
I think one of the best things in the past 5-10 years has been the filtering down of active ingredients into DS brands so that they are affordable for all. You really don’t have to pay an arm or a leg for skincare that suits you nowadays.
Secondly, information on the internet regarding ingredients and independent reviews of products help to make the whole process of choosing the right skincare easier. Skincare reviewers and bloggers, who are independent, can assess, inform and review products from a personal point of view and that can also help the reader.
The emphasis away from harsh cleansers, toners and increased use of oils has helped me to improve my own skin, plus using serums and strengthened day and night moisturisers. The advent of sunscreen with your daily moisturiser has been a game changer for me.